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Alleged drug trafficking ring busted

Methamphetamine, weapons, cash found in city home

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Altoona police busted a suspected drug trafficking operation Monday evening after a man contacted law enforcement for a welfare check on his paramour.

According to court documents, police were dispatched to a home on the 1900 block of 13th Avenue to check on Ivory McCartney, who was to be at the residence to pick up clothing. She had previously told her boyfriend about possible sex trafficking occurring at the residence and he became concerned she was being held captive when she failed to come back out of the building, police reported.

The caller said he went to the door, knocked and was told McCartney left to go to the store. The caller said after he could not find her or reach her on her cellphone, he returned to the apartment where a male, later identified as Larry David Tobias, answered the door wearing a ski mask. When the caller said he was looking for McCartney, Tobias left briefly before returning with a handgun. The caller was told to leave McCartney's items on the sidewalk and that she was not coming out.

At that point, the caller thought McCartney was in danger and called police, the report states.

Police also attempted to reach McCartney on her cellphone and several officers responded to the first floor apartment.

Tobias answered the door and claimed he and his mother were the only ones inside, stating that McCartney was there earlier but left.

Tobias denied having a gun and when police asked to search the apartment to make sure McCartney was not inside, they were told to return with a warrant, the report states.

When Tobias attempted to step into the apartment, he was pulled out and taken into custody to prevent him from arming himself, police stated.

Police called for McCartney multiple times before entering the residence to search for her. She was eventually found in the back bedroom and told police she was not being held against her will.

While talking with McCartney, police could see in the closet, in plain view, a large amount of packaging material, multiple digital scales and a small amount of suspected methamphetamine.

On a plate on the floor was additional suspected methamphetamine, court documents state.

Police also found a black ski mask and a handgun containing a full magazine with a round in the chamber.

A check of the handgun turned up information that it was stolen from a vehicle on Jan. 30.

Tobias was taken into custody and found to be in possession of a zip top bag containing methamphetamine, police reported. He also had $475.

A criminal history shows Tobias was convicted for robbery in 1998, making him a person not to possess a firearm, police stated.

Police said the closet area of Tobias' bedroom was turned into a drug packaging station.

Armed with a search warrant, police seized 177 Ecstasy pills, valued at $3,540; 8 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, valued at $85; 2.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine, valued at $250, taken from the bedroom and from Tobias' person; 10 suboxone strips packaged in quantities of two for resale and 6.5 naloxone pills, estimated value of $210; 4.5 grams of marijuana, $70; and less than half a gram of cocaine.

Police also seized packaging material, four digital scales and small spoons. Multiple safes were also located in the closet, including a large digital safe containing identification for Tobias, ammunition and a bag of cash.

Police found a total of $2,736, including the cash found on Tobias.

In addition, police located owe sheets containing names and dollar amounts.

Based on the evidence seized, Tobias was engaging in drug trafficking of multiple substances, police said.

In addition to the handgun, police located a .22 rifle and tackle box containing a number of accessories and gun parts. A Hex optic which was originally mounted on the reported stolen handgun was located in the tacklebox, police said.

Tobias was arraigned Tuesday morning before Magisterial District Judge Benjamin F. Jones on felony counts of receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm prohibited, possession with intent to deliver and misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Unable to post $100,000 bail, he was remanded to the Blair County Prison. His preliminary hearing is set for March 27 in Central Court.

McCartney is awaiting transport back to Clearfield County where she faces felony charges of burglary and criminal trespass, along with a misdemeanor charge of evading arrest, court documents state.

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